Nationals: Takeaways From 8-1 Win Over Dodgers
By Ricky Keeler
Gonzalez Has Good First 2nd Half Start
In his first start since July 10 against the Mets, Gonzalez put together a consistent outing last night against the Dodgers. The Washington Nationals left-hander went six innings, gave up one run on three hits, struck out six, and walked two on 97 pitches (56 strikes) in the win.
The command was much better from Gonzalez as this was the first time in four starts (June 25 against the Brewers) that Gonzalez walked fewer than three batters. His six strikeouts were also one fewer than his last two starts combined (seven against the Mets and Brewers).
Gonzalez was able to work methodically through this game with the exception of the second inning. During that inning, he needed 28 pitches. After a Scott Van Slyke single, he stole second and went to third because of an error by Wilson Ramos.
However, once again, the walks came back to bite Gonzalez. He walked Yasmani Grandal with two outs, which led to the base hit to right by Culberson. But, after that inning, Gonzalez gave up only one hit, which was a double by Yasiel Puig in the fourth inning.
With the injury to Joe Ross leaving the fifth starter spot in flux now that Reynaldo Lopez is back in the minor leagues, the Washington Nationals need more consistency from Gonzalez in the second half. Hopefully, he can build off of last night’s start and his recent stretch of starts in which he has won three of his last four outings.
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